Everyone deserves a beautiful and aesthetic smile. And that's what orthodontic treatment does. Orthodontic dental treatment is a type of cosmetic dentistry that straightens your crooked teeth and corrects bite problems.
Orthodontic treatment isn't an overnight process. It requires dedicated treatment for months to years, depending on your dental condition.
Blindly choosing your orthodontist and orthodontic treatment isn't a wise thing to do. Since the therapy impacts your smile, you'll need to be careful which orthodontic treatment you choose.
Asking more questions to understand the entire treatment process reflects your interest in dental health. Once you know the importance of every step and associated orthodontic treatment cost, you'll take the whole process seriously and enjoy better results.
So what questions should you ask in the initial appointment of your orthodontic treatment?
Let's find out!
What Is The Expertise And Experience Of Your Orthodontist?
Orthodontic degree is a specialised dental degree. After qualifying as a general dentist, aspiring candidates must complete additional years of education and training to earn the orthodontist degree.
Every orthodontist's level of expertise, training and education may vary.
Discuss with your professional about their experience and education. How long they've been practising in Australia? How many cases they've worked to date? And if they've completed any special training in addition to general orthodontics.
Also, ensure to lookup for an "emergency dentist near me" for any immediate help you need during your treatment.
What Are The Treatment Outcomes?
Before choosing your dental treatment, you'll need to discuss what outcomes you're expecting and what outcomes are actually possible with your dentist.
Sometimes your expected outcomes might differ from the treatment option your orthodontist suggests. Since you'll be investing a good amount for the treatment, ensure you're both on the same page.
Clearly inform your orthodontist what you want to address in terms of your bite, smile and teeth alignment. At United Dental Clinic, once you emphasise the results you wish to attain through the treatment, your orthodontist will prepare a customised plan with supplemental treatment to provide as great results as possible.
What Are The Orthodontic Treatment Options Available?
If orthodontic treatment makes you think only of the ornamental metal braces, you're probably mistaken. Various types of braces and alternative orthodontic treatment are available.
Depending on your dental issue and expectations, your dentist might suggest one or more than one treatment option.
- Metal braces are the traditional orthodontics with metallic brackets and wires. It is one of the least expensive and great options for correcting even the most complex alignment and bite problems. However, due to the extensive visibility, you might want alternative options.
- Another option is clear bracket braces. These orthodontics are similar to conventional metal braces, except the brackets are clear. Therefore clear bracket braces are much less noticeable than their metallic counterparts.
- With advancements in dental science, orthodontic dental treatment can now be completely discreet. Invisalign has become a ground-breaking dental treatment for teens and adults. Invisalign treatment involves transparent aligners trays without any brackets or wires. These clear aligners are comfortable as compared to conventional braces. You'll need to upgrade your aligners every few weeks to keep progressing in the orthodontic treatment. Invisalign might not be suitable for everyone. You'll require to wear the transparent braces for almost 22 hours a day to ensure optimal outcomes.
Before your orthodontist starts any treatment, you need to get any dental issues like cavities, plaque, and gum diseases treated.
What Will Be My Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
The cost of your braces and the entire orthodontic treatment is based on several factors, including:
- The type of treatment you finally go with ( traditional metal braces, Invisalign, or ceramic braces).
- Your age and dental condition. Generally, with advancing age, your jaw structure matures and therefore requires more effort to correct any anomalies.
- The complexity of your treatment and supplemental dental work if required.
- The duration of your dental plan.
- The experience, expertise of the dentist, and location of the dental office.
During your initial appointment and after examining your dental issue, your dentist will share a comprehensive orthodontic treatment cost with you.
What Lifestyle Changes Will Be Required For The Orthodontic Dental Treatment?
While orthodontic treatment won't alter every aspect of your regular lifestyle, it will affect certain things, especially your eating habits. It is essential to understand what changes you need to make and if you can live up to those commitments.
These modifications generally include how meticulously you take care of your oral hygiene, the food you consume, and the efforts you take to keep your beautiful smile out of harm's way.
Ensure to the following questions:
- Do you need to avoid any particular food or drinks?
- Can you play sports, or do you need to take precautions?
- Is there any specific dental cleaning schedule you need to follow?
The point of orthodontic interventions is not only to achieve a beautiful smile but also to prevent any requirement for emergency dental services during or after the treatment.
